CANASTOTA >> Ed Meehan has been diagnosed with a rare lung disease, and members of the community are rallying support through a benefit at the Rusty Rail on April 28.

The disease, sarcoidosis, limits the amount of oxygen his lungs can process and decreases blood flow. The disease is putting an immense strain on his heart, and doctors say he may only get another two years of use out of his lungs through medication and control.

Meehan used to work at American Building Components in Rome, but due to the disease he is out on disability. He is currently only receiving about 45 percent of what he used to make, and because of this his wife Genea has been forced to take on a full-time retail job at Lowe's in order to support the family. Meehan has three daughters, 15-year-old Marisa, 12-year-old Liana, and six-year-old Saige, who all attend school in Canastota. He also has two stepsons, Aaron and Casey Walker.

Meehan has been visiting the University of Maryland Medical Hospital after being transferred from Upstate in Syracuse. Doctors are saying his procedure may cost upwards of $500,000 just for the operation, not including the copious amount of medications he will have to take afterward.

"I want to stay around for my kids," Meehan said. "We may lose the house and have to move, but it's a sacrifice my family is willing to make."

The benefit will take place at the Rusty Rail on April 28 from 1-5 p.m. The event will be catered, and feature 50/50 raffle, basket raffles, and a Yankee game tickets raffle. Tickets are $15 and can be obtained by calling 697-3562 or 697-5304. Anyone interested in donating who cannot attend can also call those numbers about making a donation.